Arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport years ago, I immediately felt the pulse of one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.
From the airport, I boarded a train into the bustling metropolis and then hailed a taxi that brought me to Kasetsart University’s main campus in the Bang Khen district of northern Bangkok, along the busy Phahonyothin Road.
The journey itself was an introduction to the rhythm of Thai life—orderly yet energetic, modern yet deeply rooted in tradition. From the university, a staff member guided me to the transport hub where I boarded a van bound for the KU Kamphaeng Saen campus in nearby Nakhon Pathom province.
I was in Thailand as a socio-economist consultant engaged by the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center—now globally known as the World Vegetable Center—to study the sustainable production and farming practices of yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), a vegetable widely grown and consumed across Asia.
My assignment involved observing farms, interviewing growers, and analyzing production systems that could improve both productivity and sustainability.
My office was located at the World Vegetable Center’s East and Southeast Asia Research and Training Station, the regional hub for vegetable research, innovation, and capacity building.
Assisting me were three young research aides, all recent graduates of Kasetsart University. They were intelligent, energetic, and fluent in English, making coordination of fieldwork and interviews smooth and productive. Their enthusiasm also made my stay more enjoyable, as they eagerly shared insights about their country and culture.
Rather than dwell on the technical results of the study, I prefer to share some memorable experiences that defined my time in Thailand.
First, the food. Thailand’s culinary landscape is truly a feast for the senses—vibrant, aromatic, and incredibly diverse. Thai cuisine masterfully blends spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors into dishes that are both simple and sophisticated.
Popular favorites include pad Thai noodles, green curry, tom yum soup, and som tam, the famous spicy papaya salad. Desserts such as sticky rice with ripe mango add a delightful sweetness to meals.
Just as impressive is Thailand’s lively street food culture. Vendors line the streets selling grilled meats, noodle soups, fried rice dishes, tropical fruits, and refreshing drinks. Eating at roadside stalls is not merely convenient; it is a cultural experience that reflects the warmth and energy of everyday Thai life.
Second, driving in Thailand presented a fascinating contrast. Unlike Filipinos, Thai motorists drive on the left side of the road. Bangkok’s traffic can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. The streets are crowded with cars, buses, motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and pedestrians, creating a fast-paced and sometimes chaotic environment.
Lane discipline appears flexible, and traffic rules are occasionally interpreted rather than strictly followed. Drivers must stay alert at all times, anticipating sudden stops, constant honking, and unpredictable maneuvers. In the countryside, traffic becomes calmer, yet vigilance remains essential.
Third, Thai farmers impressed me with their resourcefulness and relative economic stability. While many farmhouses appear modest, it is common to see pickup trucks and motorcycles parked nearby, reflecting the importance of mobility in farm operations.
Interestingly, farmers rely less on government extension workers and more on advice from agricultural chemical suppliers located near their fields. This practice has contributed to intensive use of agrochemicals.
Farmers often mix herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators in a single spray, sometimes applying them even a day before harvest. For every liter of chemical input typically used per hectare in Filipino rice production, Thai farmers may apply about 10 liters.
Unfortunately, protective gear and proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing after spraying, are seldom observed. Some think this contributes to the relatively modest life expectancy of about 70 years among many farmers.
Fourth, Thailand’s religious and cultural beliefs deeply influence daily life. The majority of Thais practice Theravada Buddhism, which teaches the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth known as samsara.
According to this belief, a person’s actions—or karma—in one life influence the circumstances of the next. Good deeds lead to favorable outcomes, while harmful actions may result in hardship. This worldview encourages compassion, mindfulness, and moral discipline.
In rural areas, Buddhist teachings often blend with animist traditions. One farmer told me that monitor lizards roaming experimental fields are sometimes left unharmed because they might be the reincarnated ancestors of humans.
Fifth, Thailand’s agricultural sector demonstrates remarkable modernization. Mechanization is widely practiced in rice farming—from land preparation and transplanting to fertilization, harvesting, and threshing. Harvested palay is transported directly to drying facilities and rice mills, ensuring efficient processing and high-quality grain ready for cooking.
Interestingly, many Thai students who study agriculture in the Philippines return home to apply what they learned, whereas only about 16.7 percent of Filipino agriculture graduates eventually return to farming. Thailand remains one of the world’s major rice exporters and even supplies rice to the Philippines.
Finally, there were several unique experiences that I will never forget. My research assistants once brought me to a “monkey school,” where trained monkeys learn to harvest coconuts by identifying ripe fruits from immature ones. After completing their training, these monkeys are harnessed to climb tall coconut trees and collect coconuts efficiently.
I was told that in earlier years some farmers experimented with giving monkeys marijuana to encourage them to work longer, but the practice was eventually stopped because it caused erratic behavior.
Another memorable evening was spent dining at a floating restaurant along a quiet river. There we sampled frog legs sourced from local frog farms—an example of Thailand’s creative and resourceful approach to small-scale livestock production.
My time in Thailand revealed a country that harmoniously blends innovation, cultural depth, and practical knowledge. From its remarkable cuisine and bustling traffic to its advanced agricultural systems and deeply rooted spiritual traditions, Thailand left an indelible mark on me.
The nation’s resourcefulness, efficiency, and cultural richness offer valuable lessons for visitors and researchers alike.
Even today, those memories remain vivid, reminding me how travel and fieldwork can broaden one’s understanding not only of agriculture but also of the diverse ways people live, work, and believe. | NWI
